Alternatives to Sanos?

RE: Alternatives to Sanos?

Kate Richardson — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:40:19 GMT

Thanks all. Useful to know you rate the product. I agree with you Bob about vets being the biggest barrier, but I essentially work on my own and do the vast majority of our dentistry procedures, and am not shy about giving the options and prices and letting them decide. Now I have some recommendations for the product from you guys, I will feel happier about advising it and will see what I can do about the mark up!

RE: Alternatives to Sanos?

Bob Partridge — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 18:14:08 GMT

Buying from iM3 appears to be the cheapest option. I would imagine that buying direct would be problematic (volumes required, contractual arrangements etc)

It is worth asking NVS & pressing it. NVS do not currently stock as "not enough demand" - this is frustrating to all - as I know there is demand & NVS tend to be quite keen on pricing.

In my old primary practice SANOS was included in *every* dental. Clients had to opt out. Education of *all* staff was key to this approach. Same idea as "GA Monitoring". Even with the price we had *very* few opt out. As Norman says - we used a low markup on the product - but had a separate itemised fee for SANOS Application. That might help.

To my knowledge there is nothing else quite like it. Initially I had reservations about placing stuff in the perio space. However, I have been completely won over. I also find that (off recommendations) it can be used as a "coating" over inflamed gingival tissues. The temporary barrier does seem to reduce oral pain (bonjella effect?).

SANOS is not a panacea, nothing is as good (it seems) as toothbrushing. But it really does seem to make a difference. Even when clients are toothbrushing the hard to get to areas can benefit.

Interestingly - examining patients 6-12 months post application may see some early calculus deposition. However there is often a clear zone adjacent to the gingival margin. Perhaps indicating that SANOS has maintained its protective effect in the important periodontal areas.

If you believe in the benefits - then use on every patient. Don't radiograph client's wallets or make the buying choice for them. If they choose to opt out - that is their choice & documented. When repeat dentals are required (with the attendant costs) earlier than might have been the case - then you have a recorded choice from the client.

I firmly believe that we (as vet staff) can be the biggest barrier to clients taking up preventative medicine. Don't prejudge their decisions and choices. Ensure that the whole team is educated as to the reasons for your recommendations. Have an "opt-out" from your recommendations as to best possible care policy, rather than having a "well you could also have...." policy.

All the best

Bob

RE: Alternatives to Sanos?

Kate Richardson — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 17:51:54 GMT

I'll investigate sourcing it directly if possible, as in my case its often the cats that aren't the most compliant when it comes to tooth brushing!! (although I have a few clients who try their best)

I would use it far more than I do if it wasn't for the price. I used to be quite gung ho about just extracting anything with any periodental disease and not thinking about the consequences and effects on other teeth, whereas now I try to look after the teeth as best we can!

RE: Alternatives to Sanos?

Norman Johnston — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 11:58:18 GMT

Over the years I got to know the inventor, Jeff, quite well. He would travel to many meetings, including Europe, and take a booth where possible.
The last time I talked to him he was howling with frustration at the mark up levied by distributors. His vision was for SANOS to be used post op on every routine dental procedure.
The coating is not intended to be a substitute for daily brushing but it adds another tool to the box where owners are either non compliant or poorly compliant.
I’m not sure what the answer is. Things got better with im3 but it’s still a lot to add for every case.
One thing I did was reduce our mark up so it would be used. If the distributor adds 100% and the practice does too it takes something around £15 (just say) to £30 then £60 plus vat so £72.
Maybe it can be sourced direct from the company, but at the end of the day you need to look at how much you want to use it and how much you charge.

RE: Alternatives to Sanos?

Kate Richardson — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 11:27:16 GMT

It's listed as £70 on Centuar, sl cheaper on IM3 site at £63 (£59 each if you buy 24 but I don't think I could justify that amount of stock!)

So even with a minimal mark up, it's a lot- what are you're criteria for justifying its use and the cost? Do you think it really is worth it?

RE: Alternatives to Sanos?

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 17:05:14 GMT

An alternative that works on the same principle? No, I don't think there is any. Back to good old-fashioned oral hygiene.

I only use Sanos on selected cases and will continue to do so, and in those cases it should be well worth the cost. That depends on your mark-up of course.

I have just looked on the Centaur list and I think it has come down in price very slightly.